STUDY OF THE CRASHWORTHINESS OF LIGHT AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES

An extensive program has been undertaken to investigate the dynamic behaviour of fuselage structures subject to various impact conditions. Extensive testing of scale model stiffened aluminum sections has been completed for a wide range of wing loads, angles of incidence and impact velocities. Both vertical drop tests and "free-flight" impacts using a pendulum gantry have been studied. Test data have been obtained in terms of maximum structural s trains, g-loads and high speed photographs of the dynamic collapse modes. Based on a finite element model, these cases have also been analysed including elastic/plastic deformation and panel buckling. Some comparative results are then presented together with computer graphics.